Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 18 June 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 29 June 1998. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Monday, 29 June 1998 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his Answer of 11th June 1998, 313 c638W, what assessment his Department has made of the cause of the damage to HMS `Ocean' on her launch in October 1995; and what changes to operating arrangements have been made as a result.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 11 June 1998, Official Report, column 638, what assessment his Department has made of the cause of the damage to HMS Ocean on her launch in October 1995; and what changes to operating arrangements have been made as a result. [47063] Mr. Spellar: The hull damage sustained by HMS Ocean during her launch on 11 October 1995 was attributable to the accidental collapse of a forward launch cradle. It is the responsibility of the prime contractor Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Limited to ensure that launch arrangements are safe and acceptable and, where necessary, adapted to reflect lessons learnt from previous experience. The damage will not require any change to the proposed operating arrangements of HMS Ocean once she enters service.

Secondary information